In an exclusive interview, Oluchi Opara, the suspended National Treasurer of the Labour Party, shared her side of the story regarding her recent six-month ban from the party and the corruption allegations surrounding National Chairman Julius Abure.
Opara vehemently denied the justification for her suspension, claiming that it was a mere attempt to cover up improprieties within the party. “Let Abure come out clearly and say I’ve lied against him,” Opara challenged, asserting her innocence.
During the interview, Opara reiterated her claims that Abure had marginalized her in financial matters and withheld donations that were raised during a fundraising tour in the United States. She also accused him of printing fliers to promote the tour without contributing the funds to the party’s coffers.
Referring to the 36 state chairmen who dismissed the corruption charges, Opara sarcastically stated that they would have to explain to the courts “what they know that I don’t.” She expressed suspicion that they were afraid of losing privileges to Abure.
Laughing off allegations that she acted as a mole within the party, Opara argued that it was only their conscience that prevented members of the National Working Committee (NWC) from speaking the truth. She vowed to see the corruption allegations against Abure resolved through ongoing court cases and investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Defiant in her stance, Opara dismissed Abure’s attempts to portray her as non-compliant, deeming them “cunning.” She warned that if the crisis within the party was not resolved, it could have negative consequences for the party’s prospects in Edo.
Turning her attention to the economy, Opara urged President Tinubu to pay attention to the suffering of citizens and address the hardships caused by fuel price hikes. She expressed disappointment with the lack of solutions, despite widespread discontent.
In conclusion, Opara painted a troubling picture of opaque financial practices and autocratic rule under Chairman Abure, emphasizing the need for change within the Labour Party to uphold integrity. Opara believes that the truth will ultimately be determined by the judiciary.
